Ogi Park is a comprehensive urban park located in Ogi Town, Ogi City, Saga Prefecture. With a long history and approximately 3,000 cherry trees, it is one of the area’s best-loved places for enjoying the spring blossoms. The park was formerly known as Sakuraoka Park and has been selected for both the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites in Japan and the 100 Best Historical Parks in Japan.
In addition to its abundant natural beauty, the park contains historic gardens, shrines, and archaeological remains, making it an appealing destination for visitors interested in both nature and local history.
Ogi Park is particularly famous for its approximately 3,000 cherry trees, which attract large numbers of local residents and tourists during the spring blossom season. The park is also home to seasonal flowers such as azaleas and wisteria. In early summer, visitors may even see fireflies, allowing them to enjoy the natural scenery throughout the year.
Within the grounds is a traditional garden called Jirakuen, as well as two shrines: Okayama Shrine and Karasumori Inari Shrine. The park also contains the ancient Chasen-zuka Kofun burial mound, making it an interesting destination for those who enjoy exploring historical sites.
The history of Ogi Park dates back to Nabeshima Motomasa, the first lord of the Ogi Domain in Hizen Province. He planted cherry trees on a small hill known as Sabaoka and established a teahouse there, creating the beginnings of what would later become the park.
His successor, the second domain lord Nabeshima Naoyoshi, continued this development. In 1656, he renamed the area Sakuraoka and planted additional cherry trees.
Naoyoshi also sought to make the beauty of Sakuraoka widely known through poetry. He invited scholars and members of the court nobility to compose poems and waka verses inspired by the cherry blossoms. As a result, Sakuraoka became celebrated not only for its scenery but also as a subject of literary and artistic expression.
After retiring from his position as domain lord, Naoyoshi created a garden called Jirakuen at the southern foot of Sakuraoka.
The garden features a large pond known as Shinji Pond, whose shape resembles the Chinese character for heart or mind. Beautiful plantings were arranged around the pond, and historical accounts indicate that several pavilions once stood in the garden. Today, only some structures, including the gate, remain.
Ogi Park also offers a range of sports facilities. Jirakuen Ground can be used for ball games such as baseball and soccer, and it is equipped with nighttime lighting.
The park also has six tennis courts, making it a popular place for local residents to enjoy sports and outdoor activities.
Genki Hiroba is a play area equipped with playground equipment where children can play freely. During the summer, a section of the park also features flowing water, creating a pleasant place for families to relax and spend time together.
Karasumori Inari Shrine is located within Ogi Park. It was established in 1699 by Nabeshima Mototake, the third lord of the Ogi Domain. The shrine was originally enshrined within the Ogi Domain residence during the Edo period before being transferred to its present location.
Inari shrines are traditionally associated with prayers for prosperous businesses and abundant harvests. The shrine remains one of the historical highlights of the park.
Okayama Shrine stands at the southern foot of Sakuraoka. It was founded in 1789 and enshrines Kunitake-no-Okami, identified with Nabeshima Motomasa, and Hokoji-no-Okami, identified with Nabeshima Naoyoshi.
The shrine grounds contain porcelain lanterns made from Arita ware, as well as other historically significant structures. These features reflect the region’s long-standing traditions of craftsmanship and culture.
At the top of Sakuraoka is the Chasen-zuka Kofun, an ancient keyhole-shaped burial mound. It measures approximately 46 meters in total length, and the circular rear section has a diameter of about 26 meters.
The burial mound is believed to have been constructed in the latter half of the fourth century. It is regarded as one of the oldest archaeological sites in Saga Prefecture and is an important reminder of the region’s ancient history.
Approximately 3,000 cherry trees grow throughout Ogi Park, making it a popular destination for hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying cherry blossoms. During the flowering season, the trees create a beautiful spring landscape, and nighttime illuminations allow visitors to appreciate the blossoms after dark.
Around May, approximately 25,000 azaleas and wisteria plants come into season, adding vivid colors to the park. The combination of different flowers makes Ogi Park an attractive destination beyond the main cherry blossom season.
One of the park’s notable natural features is a large Japanese yew known as Osumi Maki, which is estimated to be approximately 300 years old. It has been selected as one of the 100 Notable Trees of Saga.
This impressive tree reaches approximately 3.5 meters in height and has branches spreading about 7.1 meters wide. Its age and size make it a striking symbol of the park’s natural heritage.
A stream known as Hotaru River flows through the park. Around May, visitors may see Genji fireflies dancing above the water.
The sight of fireflies glowing in the evening is one of the seasonal natural attractions associated with Ogi. It is cherished by local residents as a beautiful expression of the area’s natural environment.
The Harusame Festival is held in early April every year. It commemorates Shibata Hanamori, a retainer of the Ogi Domain who wrote the lyrics for the traditional song Harusame.
Performances by Nagasaki Kenban are presented as part of the event. Visitors can enjoy the arrival of spring while reflecting on the area’s history and traditions in front of the Harusame monument within the park.
The Ogi Amateur Music Festival takes place in late August at Jirakuen Ground. Amateur bands perform on stage, and a beer garden is held at the same time.
The event offers an enjoyable way to spend a summer evening, combining live music with a lively outdoor atmosphere.
Ogi Park is a beautiful destination where cherry blossoms, seasonal flowers, historic buildings, and abundant nature come together. Visitors can enjoy the scenery throughout the year while discovering historic shrines, an ancient burial mound, and the traditional Jirakuen Garden.
The park also offers sports facilities and playgrounds, making it a welcoming place for people of all ages. Whether visiting during the cherry blossom season, looking for fireflies in early summer, or exploring its historical sites, visitors can relax while experiencing the history and culture of Saga Prefecture.